Part 1| Part 2| Part 3| Part 4| Part 5| Part 6| Part 7 | Part 8 |Part 9| Part 10 |Part 11 |Part 12| Part 13| Part 14| Part 15 |Part 16| Part 17|Part 18
(this is the last part! Thank you for reading!)
Jon took a deep breath looking around the Panopticon.
“Right. What now?” He looked back at Elias. Elias raised his eyebrow. “What?”
“You don’t know.” he realized.
“I… I don’t” Jon chuckled nervously. “Well, this is embarrassing. I don’t know.” He bit his lip and sighed, his shoulders dropped.
Elias smiled and took his hand, leading him to the center of the Panopticon.
“Well then…” he smiled, placing a kiss in the corner of Jon’s lips. “You who watch and know and understand none.” he whispered and Jon took a shallow breath. He licked his lips.
“You who watch and know and understand none. You who wait and wait and drink in all that is not yours by right.” Jon breathed out supporting himself on Elias’ shoulder. The words flew freely now, filling him, making him whole. Every word, every sentence bringing him more clarity. He lost support in Elias’ shoulder and he realized that the man is kneeling now next to him, his head pressed into Jon’s side. Jon’s voice stuck and Elias slowly glanced up at him, his face was wet. Jon shivered when he kissed his wrist.
“Go on. Please. Jon.”
Jon nodded slowly composing himself. Come to us in your wholeness. Come to us in your perfection. The words appeared in his head and Jon swallowed, afraid to open his mouth again. Elias bowed his head again waiting in silence. Jon discovered he was unable to close his eyes, forced to watch. Will it always be that way now? Come to us in your wholeness. Echoed in his head. He shivered and slowly fell down on his knees covering his face. He felt Elias’ hands on his cheeks.
“Jon. You know the words.”
Jon nodded but didn’t look at him, couldn't, he opened his mouth to say how scared he is… how so very afraid, instead the incantation flowed again. He felt a look of a thousand eyes and the last time he comprehended Elias’ lips on his.
-*-*-
“He looks dead.”
“He’s not.” Elias said sharply “Don’t you have a domain to tend to? You infuriating man?”
Peter snorted.
“Tend to? What am I supposed to do? They are there, and they are alone. Not much work to be done about it, right? I am sorry for not partaking in your little zoo, Elias, but it’s awful enough with that disgusting eyeball up the sky I don’t…”
“Watch your words.” Jon hissed, not entirely of his own violation. Peter froze and Elias quickly appeared at Jon’ side.
“Jon. How do you feel?”
“Good.” Jon smiled. His voice carried an odd edge to it, powerful and he really felt good. More alive than he ever felt. “Peter Lukas, what are you doing here?”
Peter became almost entirely transparent but his fog quickly fell down, he winced and stepped back. Jon was looking at him. Waiting. Elias glanced at Peter, feeling maybe a pity for his dear husband. He felt Jon’s eyes on him. He felt all eyes on him and quickly shook his head smiling. “Answer.”
Peter huffed.
“I don’t know! Alright? I don’t know. I was more than content to sit around on the Tundra in the fog, or whatever Lonely enclosure your evil eye prepared at least it’s still somehow Lonely. But, it’s not, it’s not the same anymore, It’s not really lonely, it’s not what it used to be and I came here…” Peter stopped.
“Looking for the only thing that was still somewhat familiar.” Jon finished looking at Elias now. “ How dreadfully sentimental of you, Peter.”
“Indeed.” Elias said, watching Peter. Lukas huffed looking at the wall. He pulled back when he felt Elias’ hands on him and Elias didn’t let him. He placed a kiss on his lips and grinned. Peter rolled his eyes knowing what’s about to come. “I won.” Elias whispered amused. “I won.” he repeated and Peter pushed him away.
Jon was sitting on the bed now looking at them. His head filled with quiet whispers, and muted screams, with terror and tales of blood and death. He smiled and looked around the room, or rather a construct of a room, their room, Elias’ room. Jon didn’t have to walk out of there to know they are still in the Panopticon. He stood up and the room slowly shifted and changed, Jon thought about the Institute and soon they were standing in Elias' office. Elias looked around surprised and laughed looking back at Jon.
Jon smiled, he felt infinite. Endless. As if everything here and out there, everything to the horizon and beyond was only an extension of himself. He swallowed, taking a deep breath.
The world was drowning in fear but he wasn’t afraid anymore.
Part 1| Part 2| Part 3| Part 4| Part 5| Part 6| Part 7 | Part 8 |Part 9| Part 10 |Part 11 |Part 12| Part 13| Part 14| Part 15 |Part 16| Part 17|
(I promise I will finish it.)
The cut was deep and aimed to hurt. Jon stared at the blood dripping down his skin, ringing in his ears morphed into a loud, disturbing rhythm. Anger that started to burn inside Jon became unbeatable and his natural instincts to turn it against himself were dimmed by an overflowing need to hurt someone who deserved it. Not even to kill, but to hurt. To stab, to slash and to cut.
In his office Elias slowly got up from behind his desk and locked the door. Slaughter was not picky. It will easily point Jon to another victim but Elias had no delusions that the door may keep Jon out. If he really wants to get in, he will.
“Damn you Peter. Why are you always away when I actually need you? “ Elias huffed, annoyed. He rubbed his eyes and glared at the corner of the office. “Martin.”
“Elias.”
“Still bound to the Institute I see?” Elias smiled tightly when the fog started spreading over the room.
“Unfortunately. The only bond I can't seem to break. I hate it.”
“Apologies for the inconvenience. Keep the fog out of my way.” Martin huffed and sat down before him.
“Let's make a deal.”
Elias frowned looking at him.
“I am all ears.” he said, keeping his eyes on Jon.
“I will make sure he won't be harmed more than you think is necessary. And you will let me go. Otherwise… well let's just say I can be pretty annoying now.”
Elias looked at him.
“Bargaining with the life of the man you love? Oh Martin. You came a long way, I am impressed.”
“I don't love anyone. “
Elias chuckled.
“Of course you don't. Peter would be so proud. Deal.” Elias extended his hand. “You keep my Archivist safe and deliver him home and I will cancel our employment agreement.”
Martin looked at his hand almost offended by the act but he shook it and disappeared. Elias smiled amused. Lonely fools are always useful. He finished his work day and got back home around six. Jon was sitting on the floor. Elias stood above him and then slowly crouched down.
“How did it feel?”
“I think I… killed someone.” Jon said quietly. “Euphoric.” He added after a while. “It felt… euphoric. Martin was there. You… held your part of the deal?”
“Of course.” Elias said “He's free. For a while.”
“For a while?”
“He’ll be back. They always are. All the talk about leaving and farewelles and few years later then come back like a kicked pup.” Elias sat down next to him. Jon nodded slowly.
“What… what now?”
Elias smiled looking at him.
“What now, Jon?”
“I am tired,” he said quietly, pulling his legs to the chest. “Exhausted. Maybe we can… push the apocalypse a week?”
Elias chuckled amused.
“As you wish, Jon.”
“Thank you.”
“You have nothing to…”
“For calling me Jon, for… not thinking of me as a monster. Even if I am one.”
“It will be easier, soon.”
“Will it?”
“Yes.”
“You promise?”
Elias touched his cheek and brushed his hair back.
“I promise, Jon. I am surprised my words still have value for you.”
“You don't exactly lie.” Jon hummed “I mean you can't. Not to me but…. You don't exactly lie right? Just… omit details when it suits you. And even if you lie it's not… it's for the sake of it. Not to cover the truth.”
Elisa smiled and Jon leaned on him.
“Can I call Peter?”
Elias raised his eyebrow.
“He probably won't answer.”
“Anyway.”
Elias nodded and passed his phone to Jon. Jon picked a number.
“Aye Captain.” He said.
Elias snorted.
“Sims. What the hell are you doing?”
“I decided to give you a heads up.”
“About what?”
“Oh you know. Apocalypse.”
There was a long silence on the line. Peter huffed finally and sat down.
“It's a bluff. You won't do it.”
“Why would I not? Do I have something to lose? Name one thing.”
There was a long silence on the other side and then Peter started laughing.
“Oh, Jon.” Peter Lukas murmured into the phone. “It must be really bad when you call a Lonely avatar to look for an anchor.”
Elias looked at the floor and sighed, the signal died, he slowly took the phone out of Jon’s hand. Jon sniffed, he was shaking.
“Jon.” Elias touched his cheek. “Jon, look at me.” Jon hid his face in his hands, Elias pulled him into his chest. “Shh. Everything will be alright, Jon.” He whipped his cheeks and tilted his head up to look at his face. “You are a marvel. My marvel, I waited years for someone like you and I would do anything for you. Anything, Jon.” Jon leaned closer into his touch. “Don’t mind, Peter. He is an asshole.”
i am a firm believer that peter Lukas and Elias do in fact make out HOWEVER whenever Elias tries to take things to the bedroom peter Lukas evaporates into the lonely
he isn't even ace he just doesn't wanna fuck that man
lonelyeyes angst as promised. With a mention of past Jonah/Mordechai
It all started simply enough, a small comment. Peter and Elias had been lying in bed- "I think it's about time I get a new body.." Elias ran his fingers through his greying hair, looking to Peter- who let out a sort of disapproving grumble.
"You let James Wright age much longer-" Peter's eyebrows knitted together- Peter remembered James very well.
Elias sighed "And- I hated it." his tone very matter-of-fact. That had been the end of it, Peter turned on his side and went to bed.. Letting Elias watch over him for the night.
The topic was left to simmer in their minds; it was heavy to Peter- isolating. He thought about it on the many nights away that he spent on The Tundra, almost scared he was going to come home to someone unfamiliar- fidgeting with the gold ring on his finger.. 'Till death do us part.' He felt sick, he was sure his God was feasting on his fears- to be lonely even in death.
Peter was not one to discuss his feelings, that was certainly beat into him as a child, but when he saw Elias again- he broke. Elias was entirely shocked when Peter fell to his knees in front of him- holding Elias close. "I don't want you to get a new body, Elias-" his words were muffled as his face was pressed against Elias' stomach- his large hands easily wrapped around his waist.
Elias laughed- a cruel hollow thing. "Why?- Don't you like pretty young things?" his hand rested in Peter's white hair. "Here- I'll even let you pick someone this time, anyone you want-"
Peter shook his head, refusing to look at Elias or even speak for a moment. "I want you. Please- Elias." he hated how Elias was treating him like some child- crying about their old favorite toy.. Treating his this body like it was breaking down- something to be thrown away and replaced. "..Can't we just-.. Grow old together? When will you get tired of running?"
Peter's words made Elias freeze- fear of death looming, he pushed Peter off of him. "Get off of me-" he huffed "Really Peter- you think, You of all people could convince me to- Die." his words held no softness. Elias glared down at Peter "..I am not going to die for you."
Peter separated from Elias, his face colored in confusion and hurt "I am not asking you to die for me- but when will it end?" Fog threatened to swallow him whole.
Elias scoffed "Listen. Peter- If I was able to keep going after Mordechai's death, I will easily be able to keep going after You. I will very well be the last human on earth, and that would be Worlds better than dying with you- dying in this body-"
Peter disappeared into The Lonely after those words, cutting Elias off. This was not the first time Jonah had said such things, he made it Known that Peter was not special- it is why he was such a good spouse to the Lukas family, but it did hurt. Peter nearly felt hollow, like Elias had gutted him- and now being in the lonely made it all feel so Numb. Peter sighed, looking down at the ring on his finger; Elias really was Perfect.
Part 1| Part 2| Part 3| Part 4| Part 5| Part 6| Part 7 | Part 8 |Part 9| Part 10 |Part 11 |Part 12| Part 13| Part 14| Part 15 |Part 16
(I think we have around two or three parts left)
When Jon woke up, he found Elias on the balcony. He was smoking and Jon felt something was off. Something was different. He stood up and went out.
“Elias?... Where's Peter?”
“Gone of course.” Elias said quietly. “Should have foreseen that really. I always miss it.” He snorted and shook his head.
Gone.
Jon felt fog curling in his chest.
He turned around to look at the bedroom. Peter's things were gone. Every single one of them as if he was never there to begin with. Elias tilted his head back, pinching the bridge of his nose.
“Your head still hurts?”
“Yes. But now it's probably because of him. Don't bother yourself.” he put down the cigarette. “I am going to work.”
Jon stopped him, grabbing his arm.
“Wait… um… You… you should rest.”
Elias sighed and smiled softly.
“Believe me… that will make it worse.”
“We could rest together.”
Elias glanced at him curiously.
“I… well I am not going to attempt cooking. It would only make us feel worse in comparison to what Peter can make but… we can order from whatever fancy place you like and watch something that is not about ships? Drink wine. He can choke on that.”
Elias smiled amused and wrapped his hands around Jon’s waist.
“I like that. It would make him furious.”
“Good.”
Elias chuckled.
“Let me get dressed.”
“Is.. there really a need for that?”
Elias blinked and chuckled.
“So you say I shouldn't trouble myself with putting on more clothes?”
Jon flushed looking for an excuse that would not just be the fact that he enjoyed looking at Elias in the robe. Elias smiled amused and Jon got even more red.
“Heard that didn't you?”
“I did. We really don't need excuses, Jon.” Elias touched his cheek and Jon shivered. Oh he was too far gone now.
“Wooing me into the Eye was always the plan or that was… an accident?” Jon asked quietly. Elias' smile was very soft.
“I am a man of many talents, my dear, but I didn't need to woo you into anything. You did most of the work by yourself. So eager to know, so persistent. This… attraction or whatever you want to call it was a welcome side effect.”
Jon sighed quietly.
“I am not… attracted to you.”
Elias smiled.
“Perhaps not. But you want to know me. Don't you, Jon?”
Jon swallowed.
“I know you.”
“Do you?” It was as much a question as a dare and Jon couldn't bring himself to answer he just stared at Elias, fighting with an urge to prove him wrong, to rip whatever secrets he was still hiding. The static in his ears got louder.
“You should quit provoking me. “Jon rubbed his forehead.
“I don't think I will.” Elias smiled and left the balcony.
They spent the rest of the day in the living room watching movies that they would never have decided to watch on a regular day. But today was somewhat special, the bar was already low. Elias drank too much and Jon let him, trying to resist fog curling in his chest.
“Is it always like that? He leaves?”
“Yes. It's in his nature… He loves that I miss him. Bastard. I wish I could stop.” Elias slowly laid his head on Jon’s chest “but I can't. I never learnt it… They always leave.” He whispered “and then they die and I...” He sniffed and pinched the bridge of his nose exhaling slowly. “I drank too much.” He cut himself off.
“And you stay alone.” Jon finished for him. Elias’ lips curved down for a few seconds and he blinked a few times, regaining composure. “That's why they are drawn to you right? Lukas’.”
Elias nodded slowly.
“It has benefits.” He whispered, finishing his glass. He sat up and sighed covering his face with his hands. For a moment he sat like this.” I should have gone to work. I am sorry Jon but this is not…”
“Now you won't be alone.” Jon said knowing all the consequences. Elias glanced at him. He looked at his wine “I am not… going anywhere.“ he sighed and drained his glass. “There is… nothing else for me anymore and even if there was I… don't want it anymore. There's no going back.” He swallowed. “I am too far gone.” Elias touched his back. “I am what I am.”
“And you are magnificent.” Elias whispered in awe and suddenly Jon saw himself as Elias saw him now. He shivered, there were eyes along his spine, eyes on his cheek, eyes on his hands. He was all eyes. He took a shaky breath looking at his hands and when they looked back he wanted nothing more than to jump out from his own skin. “Calm down.” Elias said quietly “Breath. Everything is alright, Jon.”
“Is it?” He laughed nervously, his vision suddenly shifting from one set of eyes to another, making him dizzy. “I… shit. I…” he squeezed his eyes shut.
“You are perfect, Jon. Can’t you see?”
Jon took a deep breath. He slowly opened his eyes and looked at Elias. He shivered, seeing a reflection of himself in Elias' eyes.
“I can.” He whispered. “I am scared. Please. I am…”
His eyes wide open, his body shaking. Jon was close to tears. Elias slowly touched his arm and Jon leaned into it. Elias runned his fingers through Jon’s scars and eyes. Jon shivered and inhaled with a soft whine, eyes on his shoulder closing and opening rapidly when Elias touched him. Jonah looked at him in awe, reaching out and pulling Jon closer to himself. Jon’s body was blinking at him, Jon slowly leaned into his touch, his sight setting in one set of eyes in his neck so he could watch Elias.
“You are beautiful.”
“I am terrified.” Jon said quietly, suddenly feeling detached, his eyes scanning the room. “N...no” he moved back when Elias wanted to cover him with the blanket “I want to see you. I… Don't cover them.”
Elias froze, he put down the blanket and touched Jon's shirt.
“May I?”
Jon nodded. Elias slowly took off his shirt, uncovering more eyes. He traced his finger along the eyes. Jon almost bit off his tongue not to make a sound.
“S..stop. Please I…” Elias moved back his hands.
“Alright.”
Jon sighed and slowly laid down burying his face in Elias' stomach. He curled down next to him, eyes on his body staying on Elias.
“Tell me something.” Jon asked, there was hunger beneath his eyes. All of them. Deep, burning hunger that nothing ever could satisfy.
“Statement of Jonah Magnus…” Elias said brushing Jon’s hair with his fingers, there were eyes peeking out of Jon’s skull. “Regarding the things he craves.”
All the eyes snapped at him at once.
Statement begins.
It wasn't said out loud but the words appeared in Elias’s mind and pulled at his voice until he started talking. The Archivist listened and soon fell asleep, their eyes stayed open.
Elias held Jon as if he was holding the most precious thing in the world and for him it was the truth.
He fell asleep under the watchful gaze of the Archivist and he dreamed of death.
This is very funny because I am an anthropology student and we talk a lot about relativism and perspectivism and about how as researchers we should remember about the point of view of the people that we are studying. And how we should assume that everything they do is logical and comes from a certain believes or knowledge so we shouldn't dismiss anything as weird or "backward" or evil even if from our point of view it's morally wrong.
And from this standpoint everything that Jonah does is indeed logical and he is following his survival instinct and doing his best with the resources he has. And this is indeed a very humane thing to do right. He is using what he was given and by his standards he is doing the right thing. He is also a little shit and vile, selfish man sure thing.
Part 1| Part 2| Part 3| Part 4| Part 5| Part 6| Part 7 | Part 8 |Part 9| Part 10 |Part 11 |Part 12| Part 13| Part 14| Part 15
Peter slowly stabbed Elias’ arm with his finger. Elias flinched and glared at him.
“What do you want?” He hissed. Peter smiled amused.
“Did I ruin your little playing house arrangement?”
“No. Jon is at work. He will be back.”
“You don't sound particularly happy about it Elias.” Peter cheered.
“Go away. I have a migraine and I feel sick. And it's all because of you.”
“Oh not at all. It is because your Archivist fed on you until you were begging him to stop.”
Elias clenched his jaw and suppressed the shiver that runned down his spine. He slowly turned his back to Peter and wrapped himself in the blanket. “Oh dear. You should be pleased Elias. Beholding had a feast yesterday.”
Peter hummed and pulled Elias to himself sitting down. Elias didn't resist he pressed his forehead into Peter's stomach. Lukas blinked.
“You have a fever.”
“That's what you get when someone turns your brain inside out… “ Elias mumbled.
“You had it coming, stingray.”
Elias only hummed in response he fell asleep on Peter and Peter let him. He owed him, after all, it was indeed a little bit his fault.
____
“Peter?” Jon bit his lip glancing around the living room. “Is… Elias alright?”
“Oh well. It depends on how you define ‘alright’. He was sick most of the day but until you came back quiet calm. But now well… he locked himself in the bathroom. You messed him up, Sims. I didn't see him so scared for quite some time.”
Jon sighed.
“I will try to talk to him.”
“Oh good luck.” Peter snorted. Jon stood before the bathroom door and sat down on the floor there. He knew Elias was on the other side, his back pressed to the door, his eyes closed.
“Jonah.”
Elias flinched, he suddenly could feel his heart beat in his throat, he took a deep breath massaging his temples.
“Jonah… I didn't mean to…”
Elias’ body just gave up starting to shake, he felt tears running down his cheeks. “Jonah… please open. I am so sorry.”
The door are open.
Jon sighed.
“Jonah? I will come in alright?” Jon slowly pushed the door. They didn't move. “Jonah. Stop leaning on the…” Jon's vision swam and suddenly he was hit with a memory so vivid that he almost smelled that damn lotion Nicola used on his skin. He backed off, taking a deep breath. “Yeah, yeah alright. I got the message.” be turned around and left the room quickly. He gave Elias a few more hours and stopped by the bedroom in the evening. He knocked. “Elias? Can I come in?”
Peter opened the door and leaned on the door frame. He was beaming. Of course. Nothing better for him than seeing them both miserable and lonely. “I swear Lukas if you were feeding off him…”
“You are hardly the person to judge that, Jon.’ Elias said. He was wearing his green silk robe. “I don't need your righteous anger and I am not a damsel in distress to be saved. Kindly keep your remorse to yourself. Peter darling. Bring me tea.”
Lukas only smiled amused and passed Jon in the door. Jon sighed and entered slowly.
“Elias…”
Elias huffed, irritated.
“Jon.”
“How can I make it up to you?”
“A dangerous question. With a simple answer. You can't and you have to deal with it because I am done hearing about it”
“But-”
“Unbeliveble Jon. Unbelievable, be consistent for once. You attacked me because you find out i was throwing marks on your way. Fine, even if its questionable, i am pretty sure you knew and that show of power yesterday was unnecessary. But coming here now pretending to feel guilty about it? Drop the act. It’s insulting.”
“You… knew I Knew.”
Elias snorted.
“Of course I did, Jon. I wasn't inclined to bring it up because it's not my business if you want to lie to yourself. That and… “ he sighed “ you would lash out on me. I was pretty sure of that. And I was right, we remember yesterday.”
Jon slowly sat down on the bed.
“It.. was easier to believe that it's just a coincidence. Not that I… that I want it.” He whispered “and that you want me to… want it. And I was… curious.”
“Of course you were, Jon. That's what you are.” Elias smiled. “Was it easier to have me to blame?” Jon swallowed and nodded, Elias nodded “I left you a statement about the burried. You knew I left it there, you knew its content before you started reading. You knew what that Leitner on my desk would cause, you felt Reyna the moment we stopped the car. And every single time you chose to engage. I created opportunities that you were eager to use. Make peace with that Jon and you will thrive.”
“I don't want to be a monster, Elias.”
“You are doing a wonderful job at it.”
Jon winced. Elias sighed, rubbing his forehead he sat down next to Jon. “I'm alright, Jon.”
“Hardly.”
“I had it worse. Hell, I had worse from the man I call my husband so stop feeling sorry for yourself.”
“He said he didn't see you that scared for a long time.”
“We are like moths. Drawn into the very same thing that causes harm.” He touched Jon’s cheek. “Are you scared of being watched by Jon?”
Jon slowly nodded.
“But you want to be seen.”
“I want to see.”
Elias smiled.
“You know the location of the slaughter artifact. I am not going to throw it at you again. It's up to you. I promise to keep you safe through it.”
Jon nodded. Peter got back with a cup of tea, he rolled his eyes.
“You are too easy on him Elias.”
“What can I say? Love makes me blind.” he accepted his cup. Jon looked at him surprised and Peter huffed.
“You are both beyond help.”
Elias rolled his eyes.
“You are insufferable, Peter.”
“He is at your throat once a week.”
“You are at my door once a year and I let you in. I should probably know better.”
“Leach. You certainly know how to make a victim out of yourself.”
Elias chuckled and kissed Peter.
“Maybe I like him at my throat.”
“You would.” Peter snorted. Elias took a sip of his tea and sighed.
“My head is going to explode” he laid down slowly. “Come here, Jon.”
“W.. what um… alright?” He laid down.
“Finally someone who's not the temperature of an ice brick.” Elias closed his eyes.
“You… love me?”
“Of course, Jon.”
Peter snorted.
“Don't be jealous, Sailor. “
“That was not our deal, Elias.”
Elias sighed and opened his eyes to look at Peter who was now standing above him.
“Peter, dear, do you think I am not lonely anymore?”
“Hm.” Lukas only touched his cheek in response and Elias fought with an urge to lean closer. “Alright then.”
Chapters: 1/1
Fandom: The Magnus Archives (Podcast)
Rating: Mature
Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Relationships: Elias Bouchard | Jonah Magnus/Tim Stoker
Characters: Elias Bouchard | Jonah Magnus, Tim Stoker (The Magnus Archives)
Additional Tags: Post-The Unknowing (The Magnus Archives), Tim Stoker Lives (The Magnus Archives), Stranger Avatar Tim Stoker (The Magnus Archives), Tim Stoker Needs a Hug (The Magnus Archives), Manipulative Elias Bouchard | Jonah Magnus, Angst, Hurt/Comfort, Power Imbalance, Power Dynamics, Elias Bouchard | Jonah Magnus Being an Asshole, Tim has some fun powers
Summary:
Tim finds himself in Elias' bedroom with no memories of the previous night. Elias wakes up to his new pet stranger avatar trying to leave, and he just can't agree on that.
Or, Tim is struggling, Elias is a menace, they come to a questionable agreement.
This is very self-indulgent, but here, have this freshly baked
Lonelyeyes Kylux Coffee Shop AU
Elias took a very deep breath, looking down at his ruined suit. Peter froze, glancing up at the barista in terror, the barista was breathing heavily it looked like he just realized what he did, he bit his lip stepping back, the cup still in his hand.
"I am..."
"Get your manager, please." Elias' voice was calm but so cold that Peter almost felt like he was in the Lonely.
"Elias, do we have to make a scene?" He whispered, "I will buy you a new suit. Let's just go."
There was nothing that Peter hated more than this. Elias had a long history of asking for managers in various sorts of places, sometimes just to put Peter on the edge, sometimes for fun, because he liked tormenting customer service. Elias tapped his fingers on the counter and turned around to look at him. Oh, he was angry, and Peter couldn't really blame him. The man, Kylo, as his name tag said, was quite awful at his job; he took the order wrong, fought with Elias about that, and purposely dumped the coffee on him. Well, that was a bit funny, but Peter understood the need to complain.
"Do we have to make a scene, Peter?" Elias hissed, looking down at the suit. Peter just sighed defeated. Thankfully the cafe was empty; usually they would have everyone staring at them, to Elias' enjoyment, of course. Small mercies. Peter leaned on the counter. Elias sighed, taking a bunch of napkins and trying to save whatever he could from his attire. Peter could tell exactly how this is going to be. Elias will terrify whatever person will walk out to them, demand compensation, and the manager will offer a free coffee that Elias won't settle for, and it will result in a two-hour-long conversation that will at least make Elias' mood better. But oh, it will be draining. Peter was already exhausted.
The man that emerged from the back was tall, his hair was red, and he looked as happy to be there as Elias. Kylo followed him, his demeanor changed drastically. If before he looked and behaved like an attack dog, now he was more of a puppy who tried not to look guilty. The redhead clasped his hands behind his back and put on a blank but polite smile.
"Hello, I am Armitage Hux, the manager." He greeted them, and he eyed Elias head to toe, assessing the situation. "What seems to be the problem?"
Elias snorted, holding back: "What do you think?" He put on his best professional smile that people usually found disturbing.
"I would like to make a complaint. Your employee here took my order wrong, and when I pointed it out, he refused to redo it; instead, he got into a quarrel with me that resulted in him dumping a coffee on my suit. You should be thankful it wasn't hot because it would be a lawsuit, not a complaint." He looked at the barista, who just glared at him in disdain. He seemed ready to talk back. The manager shot him a look that almost made Peter shiver. Kylo stepped back, keeping his mouth shut. "I paid for a coffee and got my suit ruined in return, an expensive suit, may I add. Not to mention the insults and unacceptable manner in which your employee was talking to me."
Armitage inhaled slowly through the nose; his smile got tighter and his eyes sharper. He nodded and looked at Kylo.
"Take a break."
"But..."
"Now." He hissed, and Kylo turned back and left without another word. Elias raised his eyebrow when Peter became a bit transparent. Redhead approached that cash register. "I sincerely apologize for the situation. My employee's behavior was unacceptable and improper... disciplinary actions will be taken. I will issue a full refund. Please order whatever you want; it will be on the house. As for your suit, Kylo will cover the cleaning from his paycheck."
"I doubt he earns enough."
"Then he will reimburse you monthly."
"And if I am not satisfied with it?"
Peter was sure that manager's eye twitched. He looked at Elias in silence, and Peter realized he was waiting for Elias to let go. But Elias didn't; he never lets go, so Peter stood there as the two of them had a staring contest. How wonderful. Finally, Armitage sighed quietly, looking down. No one ever won a staring contest with Elias, but this one put up a good fight.
"Then you are welcome to put in an official complaint to my superiors. This is all I can do for you today; any other compensations are beyond me. Here's an email address." He passed a card to Elias and looked at him.
"Fine," Elias finally said. "I want my coffee."
"Of course. Please take a seat; I will get it for you shortly. What was it?"
"Strawberry Frappuccino."
Peter admired Armitage's self-restraint. At this point earlier, Kylo snorted, shooting Elias an amused look. Hux only nodded.
"Please sit."
Peter followed Elias to the table. The bell at the door rang, and another customer walked in. Or maybe not, customer.
"Hi Hux!"
"You are late." Redhead said sharply. The man sent him a cheerful smile.
"Fire me." He grinned and disappeared behind the back door. Soon it became clear who was the reason for the popularity of the place. Poe Dameron was a charmer, and he surely moved around the counter better than Kylo. "Sooo... What's up with Kylo?" Poe glanced at what Hux was doing.
"He assaulted a customer."
"Ouch... Again?" Hux sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. "Do you want me to take care of that?" Poe pointed to the cup.
"No. I will handle it. Restock the shelves. And...tell Ren to go home; I don't want to see him today. He did enough."
"Sure thing." Poe left again, and Hux finished Elias' order. Soon he placed a cup and a plate on the table.
"Once again, my sincere apologies. Strawberry frappuccino and strawberry shortcake. On the house. Enjoy."
Peter glanced amused at the plate. Good move. Strawberry shortcake usually worked wonders. Once he dodged a divorce by bringing Elias a whole batch of it. But Elias didn't look content at all. He looked as if the cake personally offended him.
"What's the matter now, stingray?"
"Out of all the cakes they have, he picked the right one."
"Coincidence."
"There is no such thing, Peter." He fell silent, looking at something. Peter followed his eyes. Hux was standing next to one of the shelves. It was not odd; he was probably doing his job. The odd part was two spiders circling him. Peter swallowed his coffee in one gulp.
"We are leaving."
"No."
"Elias. We are leaving." Peter hissed.
"No." Elias watched the spiders with fascination, waiting. Hux wrote something down and moved back to the counter, not looking at the floor; spiders followed. He didn't acknowledge them, but just before the counter, he stepped down on one of the spiders, very purposefully. Elias grabbed his fork and started eating his cake, still watching Hux; Peter sighed.
"Elias. I am not fucking around with the spider."
"I am eating my cake."
Peter huffed, frustrated. Hux disappeared behind the back door and sighed, leaning on the wall.
"I hate watchers." He murmured to himself as a spider crawled up his shoulder. He let this one live. He sighed seeing Kylo waiting for him. "Go home, Ren."
"Hux, I am sorry. I won't do it again, just...'
"Just go home," Hux said tiredly. "You are lucky that from all the people, you chose this one to dump coffee on. It was rather amusing. Now go home; you are done for today."
"You're not mad."
"I am. But I have too much work to deal with you now. Go home. I will be back at nine." Hux kissed the corner of his mouth. "And the dinner better be good because I will be in a foul mood."
Kylo gave him a small smile. Hux sighed when Ren left; he grabbed his laptop and went back out to sit at one of the tables. Poe was leaning on the counter drinking coffee and playing something on the phone. Hux glared at him.
"What? Everyone's served. The shelves are fine."
"Tea."
"Chamomile or green?"
"Whatever, just tea." Hux sat down near the counter. A spider traveled from his shoulder to the table and settled there. Hux glanced at it and pressed it down with his laptop. He sneered to himself; the feeling of being watched crawled down his spine, making all his senses scream. All the strings were vibrating softly, and he felt nauseous. Poe placed a cup of tea next to him, and he leaned on the table.
"I can tell him to leave, you know." He offered in a casual manner. Hux rubbed his face and shook his head.
"I will handle this."
"I can also dump more coffee on him." Hux snorted amused. "Oh ho, he's coming here."
"Of course he is." Hux huffed, opening his laptop, strings vibrating more intensely every time Elias took another step. Hux turned around just in time when the watcher was about to speak.
"What else can I do for you?"
"It's not polite to talk about someone behind his back." Elias pointed out with a smile.
"It's not polite to eavesdrop either."
"Or stare," Poe added. Hux sighed; he wished his staff had a little bit more self-control. He felt another spider crawling up his hand. "Your companion vanished."
"Yes, he does that. Annoying, isn't it?"
"Not as annoying as staring."
"Poe, this is enough; get back to work." Dameron rolled his eyes and left them. Elias sat down next to Hux. Fog pooling behind him. Peter always was too curious for his own good. Elias glanced back over his shoulder and smiled.
"My husband is shy."
"Maybe you should learn from him." Peter chuckled. "I respect the Lonely. The idea itself is admirable, tempting even. " Hux said, looking at his laptop." But Mr. Mangus, I am sorry to say it, your eyes have no business in my cafe, and if you won't stop trying to pry around my head, I will be forced to throw you out."
He gently pulled on the strings attached to Elias, not enough to command but enough to make it painful. Elias winced and moved back, leaning on Peter's chest now.
"We will leave," Peter said.
"Please do." Hux's eyes got back to his laptop.
"Does the one you sent home know that he is of the hunt?"
Hux smiled to himself.
"Of course not." He looked at Elias. "Where would be the fun in that?" He sipped his tea.
"Elias, we are leaving. You've seen enough."
"It will never be enough, Mr. Lukas; didn't you learn already?" Hux hummed, focusing on the documents, while Peter almost forcibly dragged Elias outside.
"Spiders," Peter sneered, disgusted. " I hate spiders." He sighed, seeing Elias still watching Hux through the window. "Leave him alone, Elias."
"For today." Elias hummed and looked at Peter. "I have to change."
"Take out?" Peter offered hopefully and smiled content when Elias nodded. Elias was silent the rest of the ride home, questions spinning in his head like a web.
How didn't he see them before? Where did they come from? Is the third barista also an avatar? Is the cafe just a cover for a ritual? What are they doing here?
Questions followed by questions followed by questions without any answer. The need to know was burning deep inside him, moving the invisible strings.
Hux sighed and tilted his head back, still sitting by the table.
"Poe, add strawberry shortcake to tomorrow's to-do list."
"One more?"
"Yes. We will need more of it soon." He sighed again, rubbing his temple. "Watcher will be back."
I like to think that since Peter learned about emoji he stopped using regular text in his messages to Elias. He just sends him a string of emojis because "you are basically omniscient you should know what I mean by that"
Once he sent him a message containing 48 emojis.
Elias sent back 100 eye emojis with an exclamation mark.
whatever you do don’t think about elias having a partners desk in his office and jon heading up there after everyone else has left most days so that the two of them can work sitting across from each other in a silence broken only by their breathing and soft taps on laptop keys, the evening light fading from the room and leaving it awash in the twin pale glows of their laptop screens. their legs brush against each other whenever they shift in their seats, the moments of contact quiet and fleeting, and they smile to themselves each time it happens.
